Nectarine tree named ‘Nectarreve’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectarreve’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

Variety denomination: ‘Nectarreve’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarinetree, Prunus persica var. nucipersica, which has been given the varietydenomination ‘Nectarreve’. This new tree produces fruit with a longshelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completionand after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstone white fleshfruit for fresh market in July in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement,France. Contrast is made to ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579),a standard white nectarine variety, and to ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boum®)(non-patented) and ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®) (non-patented), itsyellow nectarine parents, for reliable description. ‘Nectarreve’ is apromising candidate for commercial success in that it has veryattractive fruits with very long shelf life without alteration beforeafter harvesting.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘Nectarreve’ white nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area ofthe south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, where itwas tested. The ‘Nectarreve’ variety resulted from a pollinated crossbetween the ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boum®) (non-patented) yellow nectarinetree, which was used as the seed parent, and the ‘Maillarferarie’(Flamerouge®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree, which was used asthe pollen parent. ‘Nectarreve’ was provisionally designated, tested andgenetically identified by a genetic profile, under number 4N.12.81 NBand was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministryof the French Republic on Nov. 14, 2007 under number 1024466. It wasobtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc InraMontclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock tree. It has been determined to haveunique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercialfresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock on the scion cultivar.Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and allcharacteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plantwas reproduced asexually by us in Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement,France.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree blooms in March atPerpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Moreparticularly, it blooms between the 2^(nd) and the 13^(th) of March,generally two days before ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579).

The first fruit of ‘Nectarreve’ nectarine tree ripens in July, at thesame time than ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579). Moreparticularly, it approximately ripens between July 2^(nd) and 15^(th).The date of maturity varies slightly with the prevailing climaticconditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing typical fruitspecimens of the new variety, and leaves of the new variety.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing typical fruitspecimens of the new variety, leaves of the new variety and a thirdfruit cut in half for depicting the fruit flesh, the pit cavity and thestone of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph with reverse and size views of flowers ofthe new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of thenew variety.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves andfruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate whencompared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variationsin soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potentialfor commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘Nectarreve’ is high, due tofruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-spread tosemi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of flowering shootis present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Flowering beginsearly in springtime. The type of flower is showy with relative medium tolarge petal size. Petals are medium pink. Leaf glands are present andreniform. Time of maturity for consumption is early. The fruit flesh iswhite and its skin is very thick, with a purple red blush and apink-washed red background. The stone is medium size. Fruit taste issemi-sweet.

Compared to ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579), ‘Nectarreve’variety has the same time of maturity, although ‘Nectarmagie’ blooms twodays before. ‘Nectarreve’ trees productivity is higher than‘Nectarmagie’ trees productivity. ‘Nectarreve’ fruits are also rounderand firmer than ‘Nectarmagie’ fruits, with a shallower suture, and havea longer shelf life than ‘Nectarmagie’ fruits.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®),produces yellow nectarines instead of white nectarines. ‘Maillarferarie’comparatively ripens 1 month earlier than the new variety. It was chosenas a genitor because of the interesting color of its fruits and theirvery aromatic taste.

The new variety female parent, which is ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boum®)(non-patented), produces yellow nectarines instead of white nectarines.‘Maillarboom’ comparatively ripens approximately 10 days later than thenew variety. It was chosen as a genitor because producing fruits of goodsize, good presentation and excellent taste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following was observed duringthe 2007 and 2008 growing seasons under the ecological conditionsprevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne,Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been doneon rootstock cultivar. The rootstock was a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’(non-patented) tree. More particularly, observations relative to tree,trunk, branches, leaves and fruit were done in August 2007 and August2008 on trees in their fourth and fifth growing season. Observationsrelative to flowers were done in March 2007 and March 2008 on trees intheir fourth and fifth growing season. All major color code designationsare by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided byThe Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

TREE

-   Size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered large as compared to other common            commercial nectarine cultivars. The tree size the first year            was approximately 280 cm. The tree was pruned during each            following dormant season to a height of approximately            250 cm. Current seasons shoots growth could reach 80 cm. So            the tree size from the second year (second and next years)            reached a final height of 330 cm with current seasons shots            length comprised.-   Spread: Approximately 150 to 200 cm. The whole orchard was oriented    to a central leader organisation, with tree lines spaced of 4.0    meters and trees spaced of 1 meter in a same tree line.-   Vigor: Considered vigorous. The present variety grew from about 200    cm to 280 cm in height during the first growing season. For second    and following seasons, the variety was pruned to an approximate    height of 250 cm.-   Productivity: Very Productive. Fruit set is spaced by thinning to    develop the remaining fruit into the desired market sized fruit. The    number of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic    conditions and cultural practices employed during the bloom period,    and is therefore not distinctive of the present variety.-   Bearer: Very regular. Thinning of 1 fruit out of 3 was necessary for    the tree valorisation. Thinning must be light because of the high    magnifying potential of the fruit. Thinning was necessary every year    during the years of observation.-   Form: The ‘Nectarreve’ variety has naturally a semi-spread to    semi-upright shape.-   Density: Considered medium dense.-   Hardiness: The present tree was grown and evaluated in France. The    variety appears to be hardy under the central Pyrénées-Orientales    departement typical climatic conditions. Experimentations on    different sites with winter chilling requirement comprised between    350 hours and 1200 hours showed a good behaviour of the tree in all    cases. No damages were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as    −12 degrees Celsius. The tree was also very resistant to frosty    springtime weather.

TRUNK

-   Diameter: Approximately between 8.0 cm and 9.5 cm in diameter when    measured at a distance of approximately 30 cm above the soil level,    on trees of the fifth growing season. The branching begins at 50 cm    above the soil level.-   Bark texture: Considered slightly rough, with folds of papery    scarfskin being present.-   Lenticels: Numerous lenticels are present on trees of the fifth    growing season. The lenticels range in size from approximately 4.5    millimeters to 7.5 millimeters in width, and from 2.5 millimeters to    3.0 millimeters in height.

Lenticel color: The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey color (RHSGrey 201 D to RHS Black 202 D), whereas the inside is considered brown(RHS Greyed Orange 166 B).

-   Bark coloration: The bark has a silver-grey color a little more    pronounced than lenticels outside color (RHS Grey 201 C to RHS Black    202 C).

BRANCHES

-   Size: Mature branches and current season shoots are considered    medium to thick for the variety.-   Diameter: Average as compared to other nectarine varieties. The    current season shoots have a diameter from 4.5 to 9.0 millimeters,    and branches of trees of the fifth growing season have a diameter    comprised between 21.0 and 46.0 millimeters.-   Surface texture: Average, wood which is several years old has no    furrowed appearance.-   Crotch angles: Primary branches are considered variable, but the    crotch angles are generally between 55 degrees and 65 degrees from    the horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is not    considered distinctive of the variety, however.-   Current season shoots:    -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.-   Internode length: Generally 25.0 millimeters to 35.0 millimeters.-   Color of mature branches: Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A).-   Current seasons shoots:    -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light            green (RHS Green 143 C to D) on lower part of new shoot            tips, whereas the upper part is colored in more or less            brown-red (varying from RHS Greyed Red 182 B to C).

LEAVES

-   Size: Considered large for the species. Leaf measurements have been    taken from vigorous, upright, current-season growth at approximately    mid-shoot. The ratio leaf length/leaf width ranges from 3.89 and    4.51, with a mean ratio around 4.18.-   Leaf length: Approximately 163.0 to 207.0 millimeters with leaf    petiole.-   Leaf width: Approximately 38.0 to 48.0 millimeters.-   Leaf base shape: Concave.-   Leaf form: Lanceolate.-   Leaf tip form: Acuminate.-   Leaf color:    -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).        -   Lower surface.—Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).-   Leaf texture: Smooth and glabrous.-   Leaf venation: Pinnately veined.-   Mid-vein:    -   -   Color.—Light green with a cream touch (RHS Yellow Green 145            D).-   Leaf margins: Slightly undulating.-   Form: Considered slightly dentate.-   Uniformity: Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In this last    case, it is found one leaf of normal size with one or two smaller    leaves (size-reduction of 50% and more).-   Leaf petioles:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium.        -   Length.—About 8.0 to about 10.0 mm.        -   Diameter.—About 2.0 mm.        -   Color.—Light green shading to white (RHS Yellow Green 145 B            to C).-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium. Their length is about 1.0            millimeters.        -   Number.—Generally 4 glands per leaf.        -   Type.—Reniform.        -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a            pale green (RHS Green 145 B). On older leaves, leaf glands            color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B).-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in            the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is            possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a            normal-size leaf and smaller ones.

FLOWERS

-   Flower buds:    -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral            buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is            evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just            before blooming, floral buds are approximately 10.0            millimeters wide and approximately 18.0 millimeters long.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity            to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of            the flowers buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown            color (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A); the corolla, formed by the            petals, is generally of pale pink color (RHS Red Purple 69            C). Petals color shows an evolution until the end of            flowering. The buds are considered hardy under typical            central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.-   Hardiness: No winter injury was noted during the last several years    of evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales departement, with    winter temperatures as low as −10 degrees Celsius in January. The    current variety has not been intentionally subjected to drought or    heat stress, but the variety showed a very good resistance in    orchard to temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius with an average    temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in    summer.-   Date of bloom: Generally March. The first bloom was observed on Mar.    4, 2004.-   Blooming time: Considered early-season in relative comparison to    other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the    Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of full bloom is    observed on March. The date of bloom varies slightly with climatic    conditions and cultural practices. Thus the first full bloom was    observed approximately on Mar. 7, 2004.-   Duration of bloom: Approximately 12 days. This characteristic varies    slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.-   Flower type: The variety is considered to have a showy type flower.-   Flower size: Considered medium. Flower diameter at full bloom is    approximately 34.0 to 38.0 millimeters.-   Bloom quantity: Considered abundant, approximately 40 to 45 flowers    per meter.-   Flower bud frequency: Generally 2 flower buds appear per node,    occasionally 1.-   Petal size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered medium to large for the species.-   Length: Generally about 21.0 millimeters.-   Width: Generally about 20.0 millimeters.-   Petal form: Round-shaped.-   Petal count: Nearly always 5.-   Petal texture: Smooth and glabrous.-   Petal color: Medium Pink (RHS Red Purple 65 B to C) when young,    darkening with advancing senescence.-   Fragrance: Pronounced.-   Petal claw:    -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a conic form with a            slighty rounded extremity.        -   Length.—Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 5.0 to 6.0 millimeters.-   Petal margins: Generally very slightly undulated.-   Petal apex:    -   -   Generally.—The petal apices are generally dome-shaped.-   Flower pedicel:    -   -   Length.—Considered medium and having an average length of            approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 C to D).-   Floral nectaries:    -   -   Color.—A green yellow (varying from RHS Yellow 13 A to B to            RHS Yellow Green 150 A to B)-   Calyx:    -   -   Internal surface texture.—Slightly pubescent.        -   Color.—The outer surface of the calyx is considered of            Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color.-   Sepals:    -   -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a short, fine            pubescent texture.        -   Size.—Average.        -   Color.—Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A).-   Average number of stamens per flower: Approximately 40 stamens per    flower.-   Anthers:    -   -   Generally.—Small to medium in length.        -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed            Purple 178 A Group). Anthers are becoming yellow at            maturity.-   Pollen production: Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow color    (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C). The present variety is    considered self fruitful (self-pollinating).-   Filaments:    -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 10.0 to 16.0            millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally equal            to the pistil's length, if not slightly smaller.        -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple            62 C to D) to pink (RHS Red Purple 73 A to B).-   Pistil:    -   -   Number.—Usually 1.        -   Generally.—Average in size.        -   Length.—Approximately 16.0 to 21.0 millimeters including the            ovary; Generally equal to filaments length, if not slightly            superior to filaments in length.        -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (varying from RHS Yellow            Green 150 D to RHS Yellow Green 151 D).        -   Surface texture.—Glabrous.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Very firm ripe condition (shipping ripe).-   Date of first picking: Jul. 3, 2004.-   Date of last picking: Jul. 14, 2004. The date of harvest varies    slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. The ‘Nectarreve’    variety has an early to medium date of picking, and a grouped    maturity: only 2 harvests in 10 days were necessary.-   Size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered large to very large, and homogeneous            in size.-   Average cheek diameter: Approximately 76.0 to 81.0 millimeters.-   Average axial diameter: Approximately 72.0 to 76.0 millimeters.-   Typical weight: Generally between 200.0 and 300.0 grams. This    characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing cultural    practices, and therefore is not particularly distinctive of the    variety.-   Fruit form:    -   -   Generally.—Round. The fruit is generally uniform in            symmetry, viewed from pistil end.        -   Fruit suture.—Wide-mouthed and marked, extending from the            base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists            along the suture line.-   Suture:    -   -   Color.—The suture has generally a color similar to the whole            fruit color, a purple red (RHS Red Purple 59 A to RHS Red            46 A) on a pinky red background (RHS Red 38 C to B).-   Ventral surface:    -   -   Form.—Smooth.-   Apex: Non-prominent, depressed, very small.-   Base: Slightly wide-mouthed, shallow.-   Stem cavity: Average depth of the stem cavity is about 1.0 cm.    Average width is about 1.5 cm.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Considered very thick and strong, and tenacious            to moderately tenacious to the flesh depending on stage of            maturity.        -   Texture.—Glabrous.        -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.        -   Tendency to crack.—None observed.-   Color:    -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is an homogenous purple red            (RHS Red Purple 59 A to RHS Red 46 A). The red blush covers            90% to 100% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage of the            blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally            dependant upon the prevailing conditions under which the            fruit was grown. The blush color appears lately at the end            of fruit development, reducing the risk that an anticipated            harvest might be necessary.        -   Ground color.—The ground color appears until 10% of the            fruit skin surface, and is considered pink-washed red (RHS            Red 38 C to B).-   Fruit stem: Medium in length, approximately 8.0 millimeters.-   Diameter: Approximately 4.0 millimeters.-   Color: Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145 A to 145 B).-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenously, slowly.        -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, juicy at harvest maturity            stage.        -   Fibers.—Not fibrous.        -   Aroma.—Pronounced.        -   Eating quality.—Considered very good and aromatic.        -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is superior to 13            and acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml. The flavor            is considered aromatic.        -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.        -   Brix.—Generally superior to 13.0 degrees. This            characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per            tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding            climatic conditions.        -   Flesh color.—White flesh (RHS White Group N155D) usually            without any red pigmentation.

STONE

-   Type: Clingstone.-   Size: Considered medium for the variety. The stone size varies    significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop load and    prevailing growing conditions.-   Length: Approximately 33.0 millimeters.-   Width: Approximately 23.0 millimeters.-   Diameter: Approximately 17.0 millimeters.-   Form: Elliptic.-   Base: Straight to slightly oblique.-   Apex:    -   -   Shape.—The stone apex is short, with a small prominent tip.-   Stone cavity: Considered medium size, with an elliptic-form and    dimensions corresponding to the stone's dimensions.-   Stone surface:    -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its            entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.            The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is prominent            generally and present basally.        -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by            more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more            prominent at the apical tip.-   Ventral edge:    -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of            approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture.-   Dorsal edge:    -   -   Shape.—Grooved.-   Stone color: The color of the dry stone is generally considered an    orange to red-brown (RHS Greyed Orange 173 C to D).-   Tendency to split: Splitting is absent or very low, depending on    climatic conditions between blooming period and stone hardening.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium.        -   Length.—Approximately 18.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 13.0 millimeters.        -   Thickness.—Approximately 6.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Considered oblate and elliptic.        -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.        -   Color.—The kernel skin is a light orange-yellow (RHS Greyed            Orange 166 C) with darker streaks (RHS Greyed Orange 166 B).            The almond is cream-white (RHS Orange White 159 D). The            kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit            maturity.-   Use: The subject variety ‘Nectarreve’ is considered to be a    nectarine tree of the early to medium season of maturity, and which    produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively colored.    Fruits have a semi-sweet taste and are excellent for uncooked    consumption, crunchy or melting when at full maturity. Due to their    flesh quality, firmness and density, they can also be commercialized    as 4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for example).    And they are also useful for both local and very long distance    shipping.-   Keeping quality: Excellent. Fruit stayed a little more than one week    on tree before harvest and then, has stored well more than 4 weeks    after harvest at 2.0 degree Celsius. They have a slow maturation and    a long shelf life both on the tree after growth completion and after    harvesting without alteration.-   Shipping quality: Considered very good. The fruit of the new    nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin    damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing    procedures. Its resistance to handling during harvest and packing    and its long shelf life without alteration after harvest easily    permit 3 weeks to 4 weeks-shipping at 2 degrees Celsius.-   Resistance to insects and disease: No particular susceptibilities    were noted. The present variety is not very sensitive to powdery    mildew, or conservation diseases and decay due to its thick and    strong skin.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France, it should beunderstood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristicsincident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pestcontrol and horticultural management are to be expected.

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree as illustrated and described, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive skin, with a very high percentage of red blush. 